For the last 7 years or so, I have been writing and developing a four-character play, entitled The Family of Things. It’s a queer-centered play that focuses on the familial love between a gay male couple and a lesbian couple whose deep friendship is rocked by loss and mental illness. While the characters of the play are gay, its story of human connection is universal and uplifting. It poignantly states how the love between friends, if fought for, help us all to heal and — to quote Mary Oliver — rediscover our place in the family of things.
Our first public reading was at The Dramatists Guild on March 13th, 2025. It was directed by the incredible Hannah Ryan and this was our awesome cast:
JENNY: Jessica Kahler
CHIP/HANK: Adam Enright
WENDELL: Charles Gray
VAL/BYRAN: Ava Eisenson
Stage Directions: Lisa Sabin
After a complete revision, I produced a second developmental reading this year. Hannah Ryan directed again. The amazing cast featured:
JENNY: Irene Glezos
CHIP/HANK: Adam Enright
WENDELL: Neal Mayer
VAL/BYRAN: Barsha
Stage Directions: Ellie Handel
Next steps? Another rewrite, then I aim to submit the play to developmental festivals and theatres with programs or missions that spotlight queer stories.
